‘Heel’ Review: A Dark Thriller Exploring Family, Control, and Redemption

Jan Komasa’s “Heel,” released in March 2026, is a twisted thriller that delves into the unsettling dynamics of control, family, and the search for redemption. Starring Anson Boon, Stephen Graham, and Andrea Riseborough, the film presents a darkly comic and unnerving exploration of morality and confinement.

The Premise

The film centers on Tommy (Anson Boon), a 19-year-old hooligan with a penchant for drugs, parties, and violence. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is abducted by Chris (Stephen Graham), a stranger with ulterior motives. Tommy finds himself chained in the basement of Chris’s isolated suburban home, held captive by Chris, his wife Kathryn (Andrea Riseborough), and their son Jonathan (Kit Rakusen). Rather than inflicting purely punitive measures, the family attempts to reform Tommy’s behavior through a relentless series of mind games and enforced compliance.

A Complex Family Dynamic

“Heel” distinguishes itself through its portrayal of a peculiar family unit. Chris and Kathryn, despite their unorthodox methods – including chaining and what is implied to be electrocution – exhibit a strange form of care and obsession with Tommy. They offer him full attention, attempting to integrate him into their lives through shared meals, movie nights, and outings. This creates a queasy dynamic, prompting questions about the nature of family and the inherent confinement and emotional manipulation within such institutions. The film draws parallels to works exploring similar themes, such as Jerzy Skolimowski’s “Moonlighting.”

Strong Performances

The film’s success hinges on the performances of its cast. Anson Boon delivers a compelling portrayal of Tommy, showcasing both his brash exterior and underlying vulnerability. Stephen Graham embodies the unsettlingly sensitive patriarch, Chris, whereas Andrea Riseborough portrays Kathryn’s severity with nuance. Kit Rakusen and Monika Frajczyk (as Katrina, a Macedonian refugee hired for housework) as well deliver pitch-perfect performances, adding layers to the film’s complex narrative.

Themes and Influences

Komasa’s direction blends fractured fable with psychological terror, recalling the mind-game thrillers of the 1960s, such as “The Servant” and “The Collector,” and the work of his countryman, Roman Polanski. “Heel” explores themes of imprisonment, both physical and emotional, and the search for meaning in a world where freedom and care are often inversely related. The film builds upon Komasa’s previous family-centered thriller, “Anniversary,” but offers a more pointed and unsettling commentary on societal norms and the human condition.

Availability

“Heel” (also known as “The Good Boy” in international markets) was released in theaters on March 6, 2026, and is available for streaming and rental on platforms like Fandango at Home. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a Tomatometer score of 92%.